HAJJ, A JOURNEY OF SUBMISSION

   

The Spiritual Significance of Hajj

 

The pilgrimage to Makkah is more than just a ritual; it is a transformative experience rich with spiritual significance and encompassing various dimensions of faith, unity, reflection, and renewal. While demanding physically and involving intricate rituals, Hajj profoundly resonates with Muslims worldwide on a spiritual level.

   

Submission to Allah: The Essence of Devotion in Hajj

 

At its core, Hajj is a manifestation of the ultimate submission to Allah .This act of submission is profound and multifaceted:

   

1.Physical and Spiritual Commitment:

Hajj requires pilgrims to leave behind their daily comforts, wear simple white garments (Ihram), and perform specific rites. The Ihram symbolizes the pilgrim's entry into a state of purity and equality before Allah.

The act of Sa’i symbolizes the pilgrim’s own search for spiritual sustenance and divine mercy. It teaches lessons of faith, perseverance, and trust in Allah’s providence. By retracing Hajar’s  عليها السلام steps, pilgrims connect with her story of struggle and hope, embodying her resilience and unwavering trust in Allah.

 

Allah commands the believers to perform Hajj as an act of obedience and submission:

 

               وَأَذِّن فِى ٱلنَّاسِ بِٱلْحَجِّ يَأْتُوكَ رِجَالًۭا وَعَلَىٰ كُلِّ ضَامِرٍۢ يَأْتِينَ مِن كُلِّ فَجٍّ عَمِيقٍۢ

 

 "And proclaim to the people the Hajj; they will come to you on foot and on every lean camel; they will come from every distant pass." (Quran 22:27)

 

     

2.Sacrifice and Humility:

 

The act of sacrificing an animal during Eid al-Adha, known as Qurbani, holds profound significance in the Hajj pilgrimage. This ritual shows Prophet Ibrahim’s (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) ultimate act of obedience and devotion when he was willing to sacrifice his beloved son, Ismail (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), in submission to Allah’s command.

   

فَلَمَّا بَلَغَ مَعَهُ ٱلسَّعْىَ قَالَ يَـٰبُنَىَّ إِنِّىٓ أَرَىٰ فِى ٱلْمَنَامِ أَنِّىٓ أَذْبَحُكَ فَٱنظُرْ مَاذَا تَرَىٰ ۚ قَالَ يَـٰٓأَبَتِ ٱفْعَلْ مَا تُؤْمَرُ ۖ سَتَجِدُنِىٓ إِن شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ مِنَ ٱلصَّـٰبِرِينَ

 "And when he reached with him [the age of] exertion, he said, 'O my son, indeed I have seen in a dream that I [must] sacrifice you, so see what you think.' He said, 'O my father, do as you are commanded. You will find me, if Allah wills, of the steadfast.'" (Quran 37:102)

 

As Prophet Ibrahim was about to carry out this divine order, Allah, in His mercy, provided a ram to be sacrificed in Ismail's place.

 

This act of sacrifice symbolizes the willingness to give up personal desires and material possessions in obedience to Allah’s will.

 

Anas bin Malik (رضي الله عنه) reported: The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: 'Eat some of the meat, store some, and give some in charity.'" - Sahih Bukhari and Muslim.

   

3.Repentance and Forgiveness:

 

Hajj is a profound opportunity for pilgrims to repent for their sins and seek Allah’s forgiveness. One of the most significant moments during Hajj is the Day of Arafah. Pilgrims gather on the plain of Arafat and stand in prayer and supplication, seeking mercy, forgiveness, and renewal of their faith. This act of standing on Arafat, known as Wuquf, is a time of intense devotion and reflection, where pilgrims beseech Allah to forgive their past sins and grant them a fresh start.

 

فَإِذَآ أَفَضْتُم مِّنْ عَرَفَـٰتٍۢ فَٱذْكُرُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ عِندَ ٱلْمَشْعَرِ ٱلْحَرَامِ ۖ وَٱذْكُرُوهُ كَمَا هَدَىٰكُمْ وَإِن كُنتُم مِّن قَبْلِهِۦ لَمِنَ ٱلضَّآلِّينَ

 

"But when you depart from Arafat, remember Allah. Seek His forgiveness, for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." (Quran 2:198)

Reflection and Renewal: Personal and Spiritual Renewal through Hajj  

Hajj is not just a physical journey but a profound spiritual odyssey that facilitates personal reflection and renewal:

   

1.Introspection and Self-Purification:

The rituals of Hajj encourage pilgrims to reflect on their lives, assess their actions, and seek ways to improve their relationship with Allah. The serene environment and dedicated time for worship promote deep introspection and self-purification.

   

2.Renewed Faith and Commitment:

Completing Hajj often results in a renewed sense of faith and commitment to Islamic principles. Pilgrims return with a heightened spiritual consciousness and a stronger resolve to lead a life in accordance with Islamic teachings.

   

3.Life Transformation:

The transformative power of Hajj can lead to significant changes in a pilgrim’s life. Many return with a deeper understanding of purpose, a greater sense of peace, and a commitment to living a more pious and righteous life.

   

Challenges and Rewards faced during Hajj:

While embarking on this blessed journey one must be conscious that Hajj is a journey of extreme love and devotion towards the “Master of the Universes''. We seek to meet Allah, so we travel as “lovers of Allah”. The servant is called by Allah to meet Him. Yet how sweet and colossal is the reward of this journey every reward comes with a test. With eminence reward comes an eminence trail which is tiresome not only physically but emotionally and financially. Some of the major challenges faced on this profound spiritual journey are:

   

  Physical Exertion: Pilgrims endure long walks, often in extreme temperatures, and perform various rituals. Physical health is essential to manage these demands, especially for older pilgrims or those with health conditions.

 Overwhelming Crowds: With millions of pilgrims, key rituals like Tawaf, the Stoning of the Devil, and standing at Mount Arafat can be crowded, leading to safety concerns. Staying calm and following authorities' guidance is crucial.

 Language Barrier: Pilgrims from diverse linguistic backgrounds may face communication challenges. Learning basic Arabic phrases and using translation aids can help overcome this barrier.

 Heat and Hydration: Saudi Arabia's summer heat requires precautions like staying hydrated, avoiding direct sun exposure, using sunscreen, and wearing light, loose clothing. Rest and seeking help when feeling unwell are also important.

 Emotional Challenges: Hajj tests pilgrims emotionally and spiritually. Patience and resilience are key, as unexpected trials may arise. Staying connected with Allah and fellow pilgrims, engaging in Quran recitation, and helping others can provide comfort.

 Time Management: Efficiently managing time is vital due to the specific timing of Hajj rituals. Planning ahead, avoiding distractions, and being punctual for prayers and ceremonies ensure a smooth experience for oneself and others.

   

The Rewards of Hajj

 Spiritual Cleansing: Hajj, performed solely for Allah, involves significant sacrifices. Pilgrims leave behind comfort, spend large sums, and seek repentance, returning as pure as a newborn.

• Hadith: "Whoever performs Hajj for Allah's pleasure and does not engage in sexual relations, evil, or sins, will return free from all sins as if born anew." - Sahih al-Bukhari

  Increased Faith and Piety: Hajj is a once-in-a-lifetime fard obligation, profoundly boosting a pilgrim's faith and piety, drawing them closer to Allah.

• Hadith: "The one who fights in the cause of Allah, and the pilgrim performing Hajj and ‘Umrah are a delegation to Allah. He invited them, so they responded to Him, and they asked Him and He gave to them." - Sunan Ibn Majah

  Glad Tidings of Jannah: Performing Hajj with sincerity and halal wealth, and repenting, earns the ultimate reward—Jannah.

• Hadith: "The Umrah to the next Umrah is an expiation of all sins one commits between them, and an accepted Hajj has no reward except Paradise." - Sahih al-Bukhari

Unity and Brotherhood: Hajj exemplifies the unity of the Ummah. Millions, from diverse backgrounds, gather in equality, seeking Allah's mercy and forgiveness, showcasing unmatched solidarity and brotherhood.

  Company of the Righteous: Hajj provides an opportunity to interact with pious scholars, gain wisdom, and seek legal and religious guidance. It’s a platform for Muslim leaders to discuss and solve Ummah's issues collectively.

 Becoming a Better Muslim: Completing Hajj allows individuals to start afresh, with all sins forgiven, enabling them to lead a righteous life as devout Muslims, free from undesirable behaviours.

 

Stories and Testimonials

 

Hajj- The Journey of Spiritual Ecstasy!

Despite limited resources in Ramadan 2023, fervent duas opened the doors to a miraculous Hajj opportunity for me as it was my utmost desire to perform Hajj while I was still young and could exert myself in ibadah Guided by Sheikh Dr. Nadeem Quureshi, the journey became a learning experience, rich with the significance of rituals and historical sites. When I witnessed the awe-inspiring Kaaba after a decade, there was so much jalal that my heart skipped a beat and sakina engulfed me.I would instead of New York call, Mecca,the city that never sleeps. Passionate pilgrims from around the world bustle around it harmoniously engaged in worship of Allah ﷻ day and night. While I anticipated challenges, the focus remained on heartfelt duas and spiritual purification, leading to a truly transformative experience. Alhamdulillah, I also had the opportunity of meeting Hazrat Peer Zulfiqar Ahmad Naqshbandi Db, which was a spiritually elevating experience.

Abeer Khan TIL Year 2 WE

   

 Reflections on Hajj: Sacrifice, Preparation and Growth

Hajj is a physically and mentally demanding journey which requires sacrifice. First and foremost we must be prepared to step outside our comfort zone. Secondly the Divine Call for Hajj or Umrah can come anytime in our life and so it's essential that we be prepared for it and the key to preparation is to educate oneself about the pillars and arkan of Hajj and Umrah to avoid relying on others to make decisions. Also, being educated about the rulings helps us in countless ways like  I made the mistake of not covering my face with a cap and niqab.

Upon reaching there it is extremely important to be mindful of what we eat and ensure it's halal and slaughtered according to Islamic guidelines. Most importantly, being mindful of intentions and constantly striving for pure intentions and renewing them constantly is the essence of Hajj.

Hajj is a journey with profound experiences, it is really beneficial to consider taking our children along, it's an impactful way of connecting them to their Faith and they will also learn about the hardships that Hajra عليه السلام and Ismail عليه السلام went through. Thirdly I recommend packing light and prioritizing the essentials. Lastly it's essential that one must be considerate during Tawaf, Sa'i, and Ziarah, putting the needs of others before your own and avoiding any harm.

Rukhsana Banu Khodegade TIL Year 2 WE

   

A journey For Allah, To Allah and By Allah ﷻ.

We embarked for the pious journey of Hajj in 2018, I was quite apprehensive at first because of it would be the first time I would leave my young children behind for a span of 54 days and meanwhile my Father In-Law had a terminal disease but as soon as we reached there everything else took a backseat, I was enthralled by the first look at Kaabah. Visiting Makkah and Medina and performing the rituals of Hajj was overwhelming. When we passed through the streets of Medina, the memories and stories of our Nabi ﷺ was rushing through our minds.

Once we completed our Hajj, we received the news from India that my Father In-Law was no more and we had a difficult time dealing with it.

The struggle of doing Hajj now is quite easier due to the facilities while the people in the olden days did alot of Mujahida. I used to shiver thinking how Hajra عليه السلام would run between Mount Safa and Marwa looking for water whilst keeping an eye on her son, the treatment by the people of Taif, the sacrifice of Ibrahim عليه السلام and the submission of Ismail عليه السلام - the intention, passion and submission of submitting to Allah ﷻ for his sake is the True Essence of Hajj.

I had the honour of meeting Hazrat Peer Zulfiqar Ahmad Naqshbandi Db and we were blessed to perform Hajj along with him and his Khalifah Hazrat Talha Qasmi.

Bushra Shoaib TIL Year 2 WE

   

Conclusion: Keeping the Spirit of Hajj Alive

The journey of Hajj does not end when you return home; its essence should permeate your daily life. To keep the spirit of Hajj alive:

• Maintain Spiritual Practices: Continue the habits developed during Hajj, such as regular Salah, recitation of the Quran, and Dhikr. These practices keep your connection with Allah strong.
• Embody Patience and Humility: The patience and humility cultivated during Hajj should reflect in your interactions with others. Approach daily challenges with the same perseverance and calmness.
• Foster Unity and Brotherhood: Emulate the unity experienced with fellow pilgrims by promoting peace and understanding within your community. Support charitable causes and be a source of compassion and solidarity.
• Reflect and Renew: Regularly reflect on your Hajj experience and its impact on your life. Set aside time for personal reflection and renewal of your intentions and goals.
• Act with Integrity and Righteousness: Strive to uphold the moral and ethical standards reinforced during Hajj. Live with integrity, honesty, and a strong sense of accountability to Allah.

Hajj serves as a powerful reminder of our purpose and our ultimate return to Allah. By integrating the lessons and virtues learned during Hajj into our daily lives, we can continuously renew our faith and commitment to living a righteous life.

 

O Allah, we thank You for the opportunity to learn about and perform Hajj. We ask for Your guidance in keeping the spirit of Hajj alive in our hearts and actions. Help us maintain our spiritual practices, embody patience and humility, foster unity and brotherhood, and act with integrity and righteousness.

O Allah, allow the transformative power of Hajj to shape our lives positively. Grant us the strength to overcome daily challenges with the same perseverance we displayed during Hajj. Keep our intentions pure, and our hearts devoted to You.

O Allah, accept our prayers, forgive our shortcomings, and grant us the ultimate reward of Paradise. Let the lessons and blessings of Hajj continue to inspire us and bring us closer to You.

Ameen

   

جَزَاكَ ٱللَّٰهُ